NotTommy

Off to A-levels. I love cartoons, anime and other types of TV shows. I also enjoy books and video games.

[nottommy9]

Just finished The Sopranos and it was absolutely fantastic. Going into it, I had a vague understanding of I being about a terrible person not meant to be admired, but the show really examines Tony's life and worldview in an interesting way. The therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi are some of the best parts of the show. Christopher is also a great addition, who similar to Tony, has many vulnerable and sympathetic moments, but for each one there's an equally heinous ad horrid moment from him.

My favorite characters were definitely Tony Soprano, Dr. Melfi, Christopher Multisanti and Bobby Baccalieri. But this is a show where even the most annoying, frustrating or downright despicable characters have such an important role. Livia is so terrible and grating yet she's also pathetic in a way not dissimilar to Tony. Janice is so self-righteous and puts on airs, but she also had a tough life in the Soprano household and she leads to some of the best moments. Richie and Ralfie are two really despicable and awful guys, but despite how much of a pain in Tony's side they are or how terrible their actions are, they make for some amazing moments and both, particularly Ralfie, end up weirdly charming as their involvement in the story continued.

The themes of toxic environment affecting people's outlooks, inevitable change in culture and the world, and toxic relationships were so well-explored throughout the series. The mob aspect is so important, but it's almost simply a means to explore how a person can end up like Tony Soprano, where his treatment of others and outlook on life is so warped while he still maintains that he's decent, even to the detriment of those around him. As annoying as Meadow or AJ could be, they were still just kids growing up in a dysfunctional home affected by Tony's work and they had plenty of moments outside the home showing they were decent kids and were deeply affected by the connection to the mob. And that goes double for Carmella, who was both a victim to her husband's actions and made the choice to continue on in the lifestyle which made an interesting character.

And that ending, just wow. Perfect song to give hope and inspire to contrast with what seems to be impending.

[nottommy9]

I'll preface this by saying I'm a Sanji fanboy but I think Sanji vs Lucci at this stage would be fitting.

For Luffy

Luffy's passed Lucci by a wide margin. There was the initial clash but after that, Lucci failed to land any hits on Luffy and his only impressive showing was how well he could take a beating from Luffy who dominated the fight. Lucci denying Luffy's superiority over him and Luffy's status as an Emperor could be laid to rest if the Straw Hats' resident Cook and 3rd strongest bested him in combat.

For Robin

Sanji made clear he'd protect Robin from CP0 this arc, now it would be a good chance to back it up. Lucci also spewed a lot of vitriol Robin's way on the Sea Train and Sanji would probably want to pay him back for all the suffering and anguish he caused her. Not to mention Sanji would get a chance to payback his crewmate for the Black Maria incident. "I'll chase her to the ends of the Earth, " he claimed so I can see him redirecting some focus to capture her along with assassinating Vegapunk, plus he's not exactly following orders completely at the moment. Plus we could potentially get Robin vs Stussy to show she can handle herself as well.

For his own strength

It would allow Sanji to grow in strength and also make his accomplishments more impressive. He'd come out of this arc having bested one of, if not CP0's top agent, on top already beating a +1 billion berrie Commander, Queen. The Straw Hats' number 3 being this accomplishment would reflect well upon their strength as a whole as well.

Why it probably won't occur

Egghead is a relatively short, fast-paced arc and it seems to be mainly for reveals, lore-drops and to build up to the upcoming arcs. Straw Hats are already preparing to leave and even though Kizaru hasn't arrived, there might not be enough time to face Rob Lucci.

Overall, Egghead may not last long enough for this but I hope Oda goes this route.

[nottommy9]

With the New Year underway, I think I'll actually make an effort to stop procrastinating on all the things I've been saying I'll do or change. No more excuses, you know? All those novels, I've been saying I'll get to, it's time I get to them. All the hobbies, I said I'd return to or start, best I get started on that. No point stalling any longer. It's underwhelming having months go by with your situation seeming the same and you continuously saying you'll get around to things. So yeah, reading more, studying more efficiently, expressing my thoughts more, all of that.

[nottommy9]

I really like that in Danganronpa, Naegi isn't ever really rewarded for simply being mediocre.

He's berated for it by Byakuya and kinda has to prove himself and actually make a difference in trials and such to be acknowledged. Too many generic isekai's and such where the average main character seemingly gets rewarded despite not really challenging themselves or facing any real obstacles, instead they're handed whatever they'll need to impress others or be notable. Those have their place of course and that's not every isekai (Re:Zero, Konosuba and plenty others manage the adventure aspect without tossing the mc every ability imaginable) but it kinda gets tiring so they make me appreciate stuff like Danganronpa that much more.

Like the man Naegi himself even says, he's pretty gung-ho and enthusiastic despite being average and surrounded by the super-talented and accomplished. Plus when faced with obstacles and burdens, his hopeful attitude shines through so rather than having an average mc that doesn't improve or stand out for their own personality, Danganronpa atleast has Naegi shine in a reasonable way while having it be something any regular person could theoretically have though having it is still be rare due to the degree of his optimism in contrast with his dire situation and ineptitude.

I finished Danganronpa the first game not too long ago and I've been wondering what to gush about from it and how to articulate myself on that aspect of it so I thought talking about my favourite character would be fitting.

[nottommy9]

Been listening to Pinkerton by Weezer a lot lately. Really great album and it and the Blue album really resonate with me. 

I really appreciate how raw and authentic Pinkerton is even if some of the stuff Rivers says can be seen as a bit much (personally never felt that way, seemed more like him being absolutely honest about his feelings and I really liked it). Across the Sea, The Good Life, El Scorcho and Pink Triangle were my favourites off the album.

I would've liked to see a finished Songs from the Black Hole but I'm glad some songs wee added to the Deluxe Edition of Pinkerton. I Just Threw Out the Love of My Life and Longtime Sunshine (perhaps my favourite Weezer song at this point) were especially good additions.

I can't really decide between the Blue album and Pinkerton especially when the former has stuff like My Name Is Jonas, The World Has Turned and Left Me Here, Buddy Holly, Say It Ain't So and Undone. Both, I suppose, both is good.

Overall, very great first two albums though I still enjoy quite a bit of their later stuff like OK Human. 

[nottommy9]

Just watched Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. Beautiful film. Absolutely touching story about love and it had such a bittsweet ending.

I really liked Victor and his timidity and nervousness resonated with me and I really liked his relationships with Victoria and Emily but especially Emily. The titular 'Corpse Bride' was just so passionate and intense in contrast to her literally being dead. Victoria was nice as well, pretty tragic life and plotlines. The ending gave respect to all 3 of them but I still cried so much from it.

Overall, amazing film, easily one of my favourites already.

[nottommy9]

Amazing finale. It's been great watching Better Call Saul and I'm glad it had such a beautiful and fitting end. So many great scenes giving due respect to past characters, whether it be Jimmy acknowledging the past and the tragedies that affected others like with Howard or us seeing scenes that reaffirm established personalities and relationships like with Walter. Shoot Chuck had both and it was so pleasing.

Saul screwing up his get-away but then working his magic and charismatically weaving a deal, whilst throwing all care for others to the wind, was wonderful. And it was even more terrific when he tossed that aside and confessed to his crimes. I was so confused and worried during the prison bus scene but thankfully, things seem like they'll be decent for Saul. The changing clothes scene was pretty satisfying in it's own way.

I have Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul pretty close as far as quality goes but I think this finale's my favourite episode out of either. Better Call Saul really went all out with showing more to established characters and building on small details given, surrounding Saul's life.

Better Call Saul's finale was so satisfying. Ties up everything nicely, doing what it does best, taking established characters and relationships and reaffirming the dynamics and adding to the amazingness of them while progressing it's own story. All good things come to an end and it's so fulfilling when it's a fitting one.

[nottommy9]

I just finished Avatar: The Legend of Korra and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Really nice show and it's a a show definitely rewatch it in the future.

Korra was a pretty good main character and seeing her journey from pretty impulsive and hot-headed to more considerate and spiritual avatar was nice. Plus seeing her overcome her fears and past-traumas was really inspiring.

I really liked Mako a lot and wish he was utilised more (perhaps a closer look at his past since they talked about it a bit and also have him more involved in the conflicts going on). I mean he was definitely important and he grew as the show progressed, from simply being aloof (and cool) and kinda awkward in how he handled his relationships to moving past that and dedicating his life to Korra. Him risking his life to destroy Kuvira's mecha with his lightning was my favourite scene in the show (him beating Ming Hua is up there too). He really showed he's a person that can always be counted on in the face of danger. Bolin was also pretty charming too and even if he wasn't always funny, he was pleasant to watch and him learning lavabending was really cool. Mako and Bolin's relationship was my favourite in the show. I just loved their bond, Mako usually having faith in Bolin's capabilities and Bolin usually there to cheer up Mako when he's down. Plus I'm a sucker for a lot of relationships between brothers since I have an older brother I look up to quite a lot.

Tenzin was one of, if not, the best character on the show in my opinion. He didn't disappoint as Aang's son. His development was amazing too, we got to see him come to terms with the fact he was over-glorifying his father and ignoring the flaws in Aang's parenting and we saw him accept his inadequacies in regards to spirituality. He also had some great moments like his battle against Zaheer and the rest of the Red Lotus.

Zaheer was my favourite villain. I just found him the most compelling and him killing the Earth Queen while giving his speech was my favourite scene from him. Amon and Kuvira were great too. It was fitting that even if we didn't see a lot of arguments on the villains ideologies, we still saw the world change and Korra and the world take into consideration the grievances of the villains.

Overall, The Legend of Korra was a fitting sequel to the Last Airbender and even though I prefer the latter, I still thought Korra had a lot of really engaging and touching moments.

[nottommy9]

Just finished Avatar The Last Airbender Book 2 and at this point, Jet's my favourite character (Zuko's still amazing and probably the best on the show but Jet's at the top of my list of favourites). Jet's story was just so compelling to me and I think he's a great character, especially given his limited appearances. He's just so real and flawed.

He's a teen who was warped by war, with the death of his parents and the destruction of his home due to the Fire Nation having a profound impact on him. He eventually becomes so determined to harm the Fire Nation, he loses sight of truly protecting and caring for other innocent people, instead seeing the flooding and destruction of a village full of people as for the greater good simply since it would take out the Fire Nation presence in the area. This would in effect take out the very people he's supposed to be trying to protect from the Fire Nation and I think the contrast between Jet and Sokka was interesting to see. Jet was revealed as more than just a perfect, cool guy, really being an extremist and terrorist willing to harm anyone from the Fire Nation, even the defenceless, whilst Sokka made up for his inadequacies in his own way, sticking to his values by helping the old Fire Nation man, saving the village and foiling Jet's plan. I still love Jet but this was what he needed to get him to reevaluate his actions and methods.

In book 2, we're reintroduced to Jet with him teaming up with Zuko to steal food from the greedy captain to share with other refugees. What I really liked about their trip to Ba Seung Se was Uncle Iroh juxtaposing Jet and Zuko, when he hears that Jet is trying to make up and atone for his regretful past actions and in response he gives a comment clearly aimed at Zuko regarding everyone being deserving of second chances. Essentially, we see the similarities and differences in their character arcs, with Jet hoping for the best in this new kingdom and trying to move on while at this point, Zuko's still unsure of things.

Shame that Jet remained so obsessed with the Fire Nation (it's easy to see why of course) but he seemed more rational this time around, atleast initially choosing to alert the authorities when he found evidence. Attacking Zuko wasn't the smartest move since there wasn't a guarantee he'd firebend but it made for a cool fight scene (easily one of my favourites). He should've taken Smellerbee and Longshot's advice more seriously and refrained from being so impetuous and impulsive.

I love how casually he walked up to Katara to talk just to be attacked (it's just so funny given how their last time seeing each other went that he simply approaches her, expecting a warm greeting or something). Their relationship was sweet but it was understandable that she couldn't easily trust him again.

His death was so unfortunate. After dealing with and beating brainwashing with Aang's help, he's taken out by the (in effect) leader of one of the kingdoms he was trying to protect.

Ultimately, he's one of the most tragic characters in the show. A child affected by war, turned to extremism, who tries to make a new beginning elsewhere but his own obsession leads to his arrest then brainwashing and when he finally overcomes Long Fen's influence, he dies, having chosen his own path (protecting a friend and fighting the person who was controlling him even at the cost of his life). Him regaining his memories of his past experiences and friends then deciding his own path (even if it was his 'demise') was the most touching moment in the show to me so far.

Plus, his design and fighting style (hooked swords) are great.

[nottommy9]

Just started rewatching Avatar The Last Airbender and it's even more amazing than I remembered. It had been a while since I last watched it, plus I wanted to finally watch all of Legend of Korra but felt I should rewatch this first. 

I'm currently at the beginning of Book 2 Earth and so far, it's been great. Sokka's been as funny as I remember while also being pretty engaging and Katara is even more endearing and enjoyable to watch now than when I was a kid but Aang and Zuko have definitely been the most interesting characters to me so far. Iroh was also amazing of course.

Aang and Zuko's interactions are some of my favourites scenes in the show and their dynamic was really compelling. My favourite episodes have definitely been The Storm, The Blue Spirit and Jet.

Also, Jet was a pretty cool character that showed just how much war can warp initially innocent victims and lead them to taking drastic measures to achieve their goals despite how it affects the innocents.

[nottommy9]

Honestly, I ended up liking Kevin from Steven Universe. He's a jerk but an entertaining one who we atleast learn a bit more about in his last appearance.

The dude was too pushy and a bit of a creep in Alone Together (dude should Lear to take 'no' for an answer, plus his dancing was a bit cringey) but Kevin Party really made me appreciate the guy. They humanized him quite a lot and while his growth was limited (he atleast acknowledged Stevonnie was better than him and that unlike him, they actually don't care what other people think), it made him way more enjoyable. Plus, the guy has some pretty good lines ("I need those old people to say my name before they die" and "Those are two kids, I'm out"). Watching Steven and him hang for an episode while Steven takes his unsuitable advice was nice to see even if it was clear the advice wasn't what Steven needed. I liked how he was projecting his own experiences onto Steven and while it wasn't fitting for the situation, it showed us more about the character of Kevin.

Overall, his behaviour in Alone Together was condemnable but he's a pretty enjoyable character whilst still being quite a jerk.

[nottommy9]

Just finished Steven Universe Future and I have to say, it was a beautiful series. Steven Universe too of course and the movie was fantastic too.

Steven Universe had it's flaws (some plotlines had underwhelming conclusions for instance) but watching it was still an enjoyable experience. It's one of those shows I truly cherish. Amazing songs (too many great ones to list), interesting characters and concepts and admirable themes. I'm really glad I finished it.

[nottommy9]

Finally decided to finish Steven Universe after I stopped keeping up years ago and felt I might as well start from the beginning.

Lapis Lazuli remains my favourite character. Great design and character plus engaging past and plotlines. Peridot, Pearl, Lars, Greg and Peedee are my other favourites.

Currently on season 3 and while the show definitely has some flaws, I really enjoy it and it has some great episodes. The songs definitely hold up.

[nottommy9]

Breaking Bad is crazy good. Just started it a few days ago and it's great.

I love the show's characters, Walter White is great and seeing him swap between this frail, vulnerable, weak figure and an imposing, intimidating one is a sight to see (plus seeing just how far he'll go is also interesting). Jesse Pinkman is really great too and he's pretty sympathetic as this guy who feels like a disappointment and kinda a screw-up at times but is also essential at the end of the day to the plans him and Walter have. I also really liked Saul, enjoyable character who's charismatic whilst still questionable. Jane's good too, pretty cool.

I'll keep watching and hope the rest of it is as amazing and intriguing too.

[nottommy9]

Futurama is just as amazing as I remembered. This show was a huge part of my childhood and it still remains my favourite TV show. If the new Hulu season is half as good as the earlier seasons then I'll be happy. The Luck of the Fryrish was just too much (had me crying for a good while). Fry's a great character, funny and hella relatable. Episodes on Fry's past and the ramifications of him leaving to the future are the best.

[nottommy9]

Sanji vs Queen is easily in my top 3 favourite Sanjif fights in One Piece. The choreography and action wasn't Sanji's best but the big finish and Sanji's resolve and growth (in terms of his conflict with Germa and himself) definitely made up for any other shortcomings, in my opinion. This post is just a compilation of my thoughts on the fight through the weeks it was coming out (I left these on forums so I just edited some stuff to make it coherent).

Seeing Sanji conflicted between gaining strength easily through Germa at the expense of his humanity or maintaining his values and code while increasing the difficulty of the fight was great to see. I really appreciate it with Sanji symbolically surpassing and defeating everything Germa was. Not by leaving Germa behind completely but acknowledging he can't change who he is (incorporating his boosted strength and speed from the exoskeleton and coming to terms with the fact the body enhancements are permanent) whilst also not over indulging in Germa's strength at the risk of who he is, refusing to continue using the suit at the risk of his humanity so he continues primarily relying on his flames that come from his passion so aren't a scientific enhancement hence Queen doesn't have them. I'm content with where Oda took this fight, in relation to Germa.

Sanji showing his resolve to keep his emotions by telling Zoro to kill him if he loses them is fantastic for him. We actually have Sanji choosing to full-on get rid of that power-up after being confronted with the possibility of doing what's against his code (though he still keeps the power-up he has no choice in).

This is what I want from Sanji and I'm glad Oda went this route of Sanji making the choice of either maintaining his values at the expense of strength or losing what's valuable to him while making his battle easier. And that finish! Beef Boerst was quite the finisher. Sanji vs Queen was one of the best post-timeskip fights in my opinion and the most satisfying for me post-timeskip easily, as a Sanji fan.

[nottommy9]

I know he has his flaws and he definitely made a lot of mistakes but I still like Ben Boykewich from The Secret Life of the American Teenager. The guy was really relatable (dorky, nervous around girls, overly-nice) and lovable in season 1 and I still enjoy him after that. It's frustrating since he makes a lot of mistakes but I think the ridiculousness of the show makes it bearable. Ken Baumann really sold me on the character. The dude was really supportive and kind to Amy in season 1, even after learning about her pregnancy (I really sympathetised, though I can't relate, with him, being the boyfriend to a girl impregnated by another man) and his relationship with Marc Molina (left too soon from the show) was really nice to see. So sweet of him to assure Griffin that he's obviously invited to Leo's wedding in season 2. He was a bit pushy at times but I still love the episode where he and Amy get married (one of my favourites).